Wise, I echo Busy's sentiments. It sounds like the story of my 38 year old Borderline daughter. I tried, and tried, and tried to help: money, childcare, a place to live, help moving over and over again, counseling, cars, and on, and on. The mental illness started revealing itself around age 20 with substance abuse, self-harm, abusive relationships, rages, and so many nights of fear about her safety.
She was a shining start before that.
She cut contact with me two years ago in a rage. I worry about her and miss the old her, but I don't miss the abuse, manipulation, and rewritten history of all my faults. Busy is right that each of our children must want the help themselves. We didn't cause it, we can't control it, and we can't cure it. No matter how much it hurts, they have their own journey. Protecting yourself does not mean you love your daughter any less. Remember to love yourself as much.
